More by Erin

This year marks the third time in a row LL Cool J has hosted the Grammys, but tonight’s monologue hit a personal note.

Following Beyonce and husband Jay-Z‘s steamy performance of “Drunk in Love,” LL Cool J said, “as those two superstars just reminded us, music has the power of bringing people together like nothing else in this world, maybe not quite as together as Beyonce and Jay-Z, but still pretty together.”

“This is music’s biggest night because it’s first and foremost a true celebration of the power that music has to move us, inspire us, and to surprise us — like Beyonce did with her album. Music warms us, which is a good thing for all of our friends back east, we’re thinking about you!” he continued.

NCIS: LA star also opened up about his own musical rise to fame.

“It’s tough for me to admit, but the truth is there are probably millions of people that don’t know I make music here, but music is the vehicle that brought me here. When I needed to be tough, music allowed me to say, ‘mama said knock you out,’ and when I wanted to express a slightly more vulnerable side, I could admit, ‘I need love,’ the rapper said, referencing a few of his most popular R&B hits.

Album of the Year nominee Taylor Swift even got a shot out in LL Cool J’s opening monologue.

“My friend Taylor Swift over there, music gave her the perfect way to express whatever she is going through. Taylor said her truth and now a whole new generation of young women are growing up ready to write about whatever is being done wrong to them. Gentleman behave yourselves!”

The bottom line? “The force of music is universal,” LL Cool J said.

The rapper turned actor opened up about this hosting duties in this weekend’s issue of Parade.

“You gotta embrace it with grace. I don’t go out there pretending I’m Billy Crystal. I have to be myself,” he said.